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@@-LEGISLATURE+ST+A+TEMENTOF-THE-STATE-OF-IDAHO-Sixty-eighth-Legislature-Second-Regular-Session---2026-IN-THE-HOUSE-OF-REPRESENTATIVES-HOUSE-BILL-NO.-953-BY-CAYLER-AN-ACT-1-RELATING-TO-CHILD-PROTECTION;-AMENDING-SECTION+PURPOSE+RS33162C1+/+H0953+This+legislation+makes+changes+throughout+T+itle16---1602,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-RE---2-VISE-A-DEFINITION;-AMENDING-SECTION-16---1605,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PRO---3-VISIONS-REGARDING-REPORTING-ABUSE,-ABANDONMENT,-OR-NEGLECT;-AMENDING-4-SECTION-16---1606,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-IMMUNITY;-5-AMENDING-SECTION-16---1610,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-A-6-PETITION;-AMENDING-SECTION-16---1611,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVISIONS-7-REGARDING-SUMMONS;-AMENDING-SECTION-16---1615,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-8-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-SHELTER-CARE-HEARINGS;-AMENDING-SECTION-16---1619,-9-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-AN-ADJUDICATORY-HEARING;-AND-10-DECLARING-AN-EMERGENCY-AND-PROVIDING-AN-EFFECTIVE-DATE.-1-1-Be-It-Enacted+Idaho+Code,+Child+Protective+Act,+in+any+statute+where+an+evidentiary+standard+exists,+and+raises+the+evidentiary+standard.+FISCAL+NOTE+This+legislation+causes+no+increase+or+decrease+in+revenue,+or+additional+expenditure+of+funds+at+the+state+or+local+level+of+government;+therefore,+this+legislation+has+no+fiscal+impact.+Contact:+Representative+Lucas+B.+Cayler+(208)+332-1000+DISCLAIMER:+This+statement+of+purpose+and+fiscal+note+ar+e+a+mer+e+attachment+to+this+bill+and+pr+epar+edby-the-Legislature+a+pr+oponentofthe-State+bill.+It+is+neither+intended+as+an+expr+essionof-Idaho:-12-SECTION-1.-That-Section-16---1602,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-13-amended-to-read-as-follows:-14-16---1602.-DEFINITIONS.-For-purposes-of-this-chapter:-15-(1)-"Abused"-means+legislative+intent+nor+intended+forany-case-in-which-a-child-has-been-the-victim-of:-16-(a)-Conduct-or-omission-resulting-in-skin-bruising,-bleeding,-mal---17-nutrition,-burns,-fracture-of-any-bone,-head-injury,-soft-tissue-18-swelling,-failure-to-thrive-or-death,-and-such-condition-or-death-is-not-19-justifiably-explained,-or-where-the-history-given-concerning-such-con---20-dition-or-death-is-at-variance-with-the-degree-or-type-of-such-condition-21-or-death,-or-the-circumstances-indicate-that-such-condition-or-death-may-22-not-be-the-product-of-an-accidental-occurrence;-or-23-(b)-Sexual-conduct,-including-rape,-molestation,-incest,-commercial-24-sexual-activity,-obscene-or-pornographic-photographing,-filming-or-de---25-piction-for-commercial-purposes,-human-trafficking-as-defined-in-chap---26-ter-86,-title-18,-Idaho-Code,-or-other-similar-forms-of-sexual-exploita---27-tion-harming-or-threatening-the-child's-health-or-welfare-or-mental-in---28-jury-to-the-child.-29-(2)-"Abandoned"-means-the-failure+use+outsideofthe-parent-to-maintain-a-normal-30-parental-relationship-with-his-child-including,-but-not-limited-to,-reason---31-able-support-or-regular-personal-contact.-Failure-to-maintain-this-rela---32-tionship-without-just-cause-for-a-period+legislative+pr+ocess,+including+judicial+r+eview+(Joint+Rule+18).+Statementof-one-(1)-year-shall-constitute-33-prima-facie-evidence-of-abandonment.-34-(3)-"Adaptive-equipment"-means-any-piece-of-equipment-or-any-item-that-35-is-used-to-increase,-maintain-or-improve-the-parenting-capabilities-of-a-par---36-ent-with-a-disability.-37-(4)-"Adjudicatory-hearing"-means-a-hearing-to-determine:-38-(a)-Whether-the-child-comes-under-the-jurisdiction-of-the-court-pur---39-suant-to-the-provisions-of-this-chapter;-40-(b)-Whether-continuation-of-the-child-in-the-home-would-be-contrary-to-41-the-child's-welfare-and-whether-the-best-interest-of-the-child-requires-42--2-protective-supervision-or-vesting-legal-custody-of-the-child-in-an-au---1-thorized-agency.-2-(5)-"Age-of-developmentally-appropriate"-means:-3-(a)-Activities-that-are-generally-accepted-as-suitable-for-children-of-4-the-same-chronological-age-or-level-of-maturity-or-that-are-determined-5-to-be-developmentally-appropriate-for-a-child,-based-on-the-development-6-of-cognitive,-emotional,-physical-and-behavioral-capacities-that-are-7-typical-for-an-age-or-age-group;-and-8-(b)-In-the-case-of-a-specific-child,-activities-or-items-that-are-suit---9-able-for-the-child-based-on-the-developmental-stages-attained-by-the-10-child-with-respect-to-the-cognitive,-emotional,-physical-and-behavioral-1-1-capacities-of-the-child.-12-(6)-"Aggravated-circumstances"-includes,-but-is-not-limited-to:-13-(a)-Circumstances-in-which-the-parent-has-engaged-in-any-of-the-follow---14-ing:-15-(i)-Abandonment,-chronic-abuse-or-chronic-neglect-of-the-child.-16-Chronic-neglect-or-chronic-abuse-of-a-child-shall-consist-of-abuse-17-or-neglect-that-is-so-extreme-or-repetitious-as-to-indicate-that-18-return-of-the-child-to-the-home-would-result-in-unacceptable-risk-19-to-the-health-and-welfare-of-the-child.-20-(ii)-Sexual-abuse-against-a-child-of-the-parent.-Sexual-abuse,-for-21-the-purposes-of-this-section,-includes-any-conduct-described-in-22-section-18---1506,-18---1506A,-18---1507,-18---1508,-18---1508A,-18---6101,-23-or-18---6604,-or-chapter-86,-title-18,-Idaho-Code.-24-(iii)-Torture-of-a-child.-Any-conduct-listed-in-section-25-18---8303(1),-Idaho-Code;-battery-or-an-injury-to-a-child-that-re---26-sults-in-serious-or-great-bodily-injury-to-a-child;-voluntary-27-manslaughter-of-a-child,-or-aiding-or-abetting-such-voluntary-28-manslaughter,-soliciting-such-voluntary-manslaughter-or-attempt---29-ing-or-conspiring-to-commit-such-voluntary-manslaughter;-30-(b)-The-parent-has-committed-murder,-aided-or-abetted-a-murder,-so---31-licited-a-murder-or-attempted-or-conspired-to-commit-murder;-or-32-(c)-The-parental-rights-of-the-parent-to-another-child-have-been-termi---33-nated-involuntarily.-34-(7)-"Authorized-agency"-means-the-department,-a-local-agency,-a-person,-35-an-organization,-corporation,-benevolent-society-or-association-licensed-36-or-approved-by-the-department-or-the-court-to-receive-children-for-control,-37-care,-maintenance-or-placement.-38-(8)-"Caregiver"-means-a-foster-parent-with-whom-a-child-in-foster-care-39-has-been-placed-or-a-designated-official-for-a-child-care-institution-in-40-which-a-child-in-foster-care-has-been-placed.-41-(9)-"Case-plan-hearing"-means-a-hearing-to-approve,-modify-or-reject-the-42-case-plan-as-provided-in-section-16---1621,-Idaho-Code.-43-(10)-"Child"-means-an-individual-who-is-under-the-age-of-eighteen-(18)-44-years.-45-(11)-"Child-advocacy-center"-or-"CAC"-means-an-organization-that-ad---46-heres-to-national-best-practice-standards-established-by-the-national-47-membership-and-accrediting-body-for-children's-advocacy-centers-and-that-48-promotes-a-comprehensive-and-coordinated-multidisciplinary-team-response-to-49-allegations-of-child-abuse-by-maintaining-a-child---friendly-facility-at-which-50--3-appropriate-services-are-provided.-These-services-may-include-forensic-in---1-terviews,-forensic-medical-examinations,-mental-health-services-and-other-2-related-victim-services.-3-(12)-"Circumstances-of-the-child"-includes,-but-is-not-limited-to,-the-4-joint-legal-custody-or-joint-physical-custody-of-the-child.-5-(13)-"Commit"-means-to-transfer-legal-and-physical-custody.-6-(14)-"Concurrent-planning"-means-a-planning-model-that-prepares-for-and-7-implements-different-outcomes-at-the-same-time.-8-(15)-"Court"-means-district-court-or-magistrate-division-thereof-or,-if-9-the-context-requires,-a-magistrate-or-judge-thereof.-10-(16)-"Custodian"-means-a-person,-other-than-a-parent-or-legal-guardian,-1-1-to-whom-legal-or-joint-legal-custody-of-the-child-has-been-given-by-court-or---12-der.-13-(17)-"Department"-means-the-department-of-health-and-welfare-and-its-au---14-thorized-representatives.-15-(18)-"Disability"-means,-with-respect-to-an-individual,-any-mental-or-16-physical-impairment-that-substantially-limits-one-(1)-or-more-major-life-17-activities-of-the-individual-including,-but-not-limited-to,-self---care,-man---18-ual-tasks,-walking,-seeing,-hearing,-speaking,-learning-or-working,-or-a-19-record-of-such-an-impairment,-or-being-regarded-as-having-such-an-impairment.-20-Disability-shall-not-include-transvestism,-transsexualism,-pedophilia,-21-exhibitionism,-voyeurism,-other-sexual-behavior-disorders,-or-substance-use-22-disorders,-compulsive-gambling,-kleptomania-or-pyromania.-Sexual-prefer---23-ence-or-orientation-is-not-considered-an-impairment-or-disability.-Whether-24-an-impairment-substantially-limits-a-major-life-activity-shall-be-determined-25-without-consideration-of-the-effect-of-corrective-or-mitigating-measures-26-used-to-reduce-the-effects-of-the-impairment.-27-(19)-"Family-or-household-member"-shall-have-the-same-meaning-as-in-sec---28-tion-39---6303(6),-Idaho-Code.-29-(20)-"Foster-care"-means-twenty---four-(24)-hour-substitute-parental-care-30-for-children-placed-away-from-their-parents-or-guardians-by-persons-who-may-31-or-may-not-be-related-to-the-children-and-for-whom-the-state-agency-has-place---32-ment-and-care-responsibility.-33-(21)-"Foster-parent"-means-a-person-or-persons-licensed-to-provide-fos---34-ter-care.-35-(22)-"Grant-administrator"-means-the-supreme-court-or-any-organization-36-or-agency-as-may-be-designated-by-the-supreme-court-in-accordance-with-such-37-procedures-as-may-be-adopted-by-the-supreme-court.-The-grant-administrator-38-shall-administer-funds-from-the-guardian-ad-litem-account-in-accordance-with-39-the-provisions-of-this-chapter.-40-(23)-"Guardian-ad-litem"-means-a-person-appointed-by-the-court-pursuant-41-to-a-guardian-ad-litem-volunteer-program-to-act-as-special-advocate-for-a-42-child-under-this-chapter.-43-(24)-"Guardian-ad-litem-coordinator"-means-a-person-or-entity-receiving-44-moneys-from-the-grant-administrator-for-the-purpose-of-carrying-out-any-of-45-the-duties-set-forth-in-section-16---1632,-Idaho-Code.-46-(25)-"Guardian-ad-litem-program"-means-the-program-to-recruit,-train-and-47-coordinate-volunteer-persons-to-serve-as-guardians-ad-litem-for-abused,-ne---48-glected-or-abandoned-children.-49--4-(26)-"Homeless,"-as-used-in-this-chapter,-shall-mean-that-the-child-is-1-without-adequate-shelter-or-other-living-facilities,-and-the-lack-of-such-2-shelter-or-other-living-facilities-poses-a-threat-to-the-health,-safety-or-3-well---being-of-the-child.-4-(27)-"Idaho-network-of-children's-advocacy-centers"-means-an-organiza---5-tion-that-provides-education-and-technical-assistance-to-child-advocacy-cen---6-ters-and-to-interagency-multidisciplinary-teams-developed-pursuant-to-sec---7-tion-16---1617,-Idaho-Code.-8-(28)-"Law-enforcement-agency"-means-a-city-police-department,-the-pros---9-ecuting-attorney-of-any-county,-state-law-enforcement-officers,-or-the-of---10-fice-of-a-sheriff-of-any-county.-1-1-(29)-"Legal-custody"-means-a-relationship-created-by-court-order,-which-12-vests-in-a-custodian-the-following-rights-and-responsibilities:-13-(a)-To-have-physical-custody-and-control-of-the-child,-and-to-determine-14-where-and-with-whom-the-child-shall-live.-15-(b)-To-supply-the-child-with-food,-clothing,-shelter-and-incidental-ne---16-cessities.-17-(c)-To-provide-the-child-with-care,-education-and-discipline.-18-(d)-To-authorize-ordinary-medical,-dental,-psychiatric,-psychologi---19-cal,-or-other-remedial-care-and-treatment-for-the-child,-including-care-20-and-treatment-in-a-facility-with-a-program-of-services-for-children,-and-21-to-authorize-surgery-if-the-surgery-is-deemed-by-two-(2)-physicians-li---22-censed-to-practice-in-this-state-to-be-necessary-for-the-child.-23-(e)-Where-the-parents-share-legal-custody,-the-custodian-may-be-vested-24-with-the-custody-previously-held-by-either-or-both-parents.-25-(30)-"Mental-injury"-means-a-substantial-impairment-in-the-intellectual-26-or-psychological-ability-of-a-child-to-function-within-a-normal-range-of-per---27-formance-and/or-behavior,-for-short-or-long-terms.-28-(31)-"Neglected"-means-a-child:-29-(a)-Who-is-without-proper-parental-care-and-control,-or-subsistence,-30-medical-or-other-care-or-control-necessary-for-his-well---being-because-of-31-the-conduct-or-omission-of-his-parents,-guardian-or-other-custodian-or-32-their-neglect-or-refusal-to-provide-them;-however,-no-child-whose-parent-33-or-guardian-chooses-for-such-child-treatment-by-prayers-through-spiri---34-tual-means-alone-in-lieu-of-medical-treatment-shall-be-deemed-for-that-35-reason-alone-to-be-neglected-or-lack-parental-care-necessary-for-his-36-health-and-well---being,-but-this-subsection-shall-not-prevent-the-court-37-from-acting-pursuant-to-section-16---1627,-Idaho-Code;-or-38-(b)-Whose-parent,-guardian-or-other-custodian-is-unable-to-discharge-39-the-responsibilities-to-and-for-the-child-and,-as-a-result-of-such-in---40-ability,-the-child-lacks-the-parental-care-necessary-for-his-health,-41-safety-or-well---being;-or-42-(c)-Who-has-been-placed-for-care-or-adoption-in-violation-of-law;-or-43-(d)-Who-is-without-proper-education-because-of-the-failure-to-comply-44-with-section-33---202,-Idaho-Code.-45-(32)-"Order-to-prevent-removal,"-as-described-in-section-16---1611(5),-46-Idaho-Code,-means-an-order-to-allow-a-child-to-remain-in-the-child's-present-47-surroundings-when-there-is-reasonable-cause-to-believe-reliable-evidence-48-that-the-child-is-safe-in-the-sole-care-of-one-(1)-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-49--5-legal-custodian-and-when-there-is-alleged-neglect-or-abuse-by-another-parent,-1-legal-guardian,-or-legal-custodian.-2-(33)-"Permanency-hearing"-means-a-hearing-to-review,-approve,-reject-or-3-modify-the-permanency-plan-of-the-department-and-to-review-reasonable-ef---4-forts-in-accomplishing-the-permanency-plan.-5-(34)-"Permanency-plan"-means-a-plan-for-a-continuous-residence-and-main---6-tenance-of-nurturing-relationships-during-the-child's-minority.-7-(35)-"Protective-supervision"-is-a-legal-status-created-by-court-order-8-in-a-child-protective-case-whereby-the-child-is-in-the-legal-custody-of-his-or-9-her-parent(s),-guardian(s)-or-other-legal-custodian(s),-subject-to-supervi---10-sion-by-the-department.-1-1-(36)-"Psychotropic-medication"-means-a-drug-prescribed-to-affect-psy---12-chological-functioning,-perception,-behavior-or-mood.-Psychotropic-medi---13-cations-include,-but-are-not-limited-to,-antidepressants,-mood-stabilizers,-14-antipsychotics,-antianxiety-medications,-sedatives-and-stimulants.-15-(37)-"Qualified-individual"-means-a-trained-professional-or-licensed-16-clinician-who-is-not-connected-to-or-affiliated-with-any-placement-setting-17-in-which-children-are-placed-by-the-department-and-who-is-not-an-employee-of-18-child-and-family-services,-unless-a-waiver-has-been-approved-by-the-autho---19-rized-agency.-20-(38)-"Qualified-residential-treatment-program"-means-a-program-that-has-21-a-trauma---informed-treatment-model-designed-to-address-the-needs-of-children-22-with-serious-emotional-or-behavioral-disorders-or-disturbances,-is-able-to-23-implement-the-treatment-identified-for-the-child-by-the-assessment-of-the-24-child-required-under-section-16---1619A(2),-Idaho-Code,-and-is-licensed-and-25-accredited-in-accordance-with-state-and-federal-law.-26-(39)-"Reasonable-and-prudent-parent-standard"-means-the-standard-of-27-care-characterized-by-careful-and-sensible-parental-decisions-that-main---28-tain-the-health,-safety-and-best-interests-of-a-child-while-simultaneously-29-encouraging-the-emotional-and-developmental-growth-of-the-child-that-a-care---30-giver-shall-use-when-determining-whether-to-allow-a-child-in-foster-care-31-under-the-responsibility-of-the-state-to-participate-in-extracurricular,-32-enrichment,-cultural-or-social-activities.-33-(40)-"Relative"-means-a-child's-grandparent,-great-grandparent,-aunt,-34-great-aunt,-uncle,-great-uncle,-brother---in---law,-sister---in---law,-first-35-cousin,-sibling-and-half---sibling.-36-(41)-"Residual-parental-rights-and-responsibilities"-means-those-37-rights-and-responsibilities-remaining-with-the-parents-after-the-transfer-of-38-legal-custody-including,-but-not-necessarily-limited-to,-the-right-of-visi---39-tation,-the-right-to-consent-to-adoption,-the-right-to-determine-religious-40-affiliation,-the-right-to-family-counseling-when-beneficial,-and-the-respon---41-sibility-for-support.-42-(42)-"Shelter-care"-means-places-designated-by-the-department-for-tem---43-porary-care-of-children-pending-court-disposition-or-placement.-44-(43)-"Supportive-services,"-as-used-in-this-chapter,-shall-mean-ser---45-vices-that-assist-parents-with-a-disability-to-compensate-for-those-aspects-46-of-their-disability-that-affect-their-ability-to-care-for-their-child-and-47-that-will-enable-them-to-discharge-their-parental-responsibilities.-The-48-term-includes-specialized-or-adapted-training,-evaluations-or-assistance-49-with-effectively-using-adaptive-equipment-and-accommodations-that-allow-50--6-parents-with-a-disability-to-benefit-from-other-services-including,-but-not-1-limited-to,-Braille-texts-or-sign-language-interpreters.-2-SECTION-2.-That-Section-16---1605,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-3-amended-to-read-as-follows:-4-16---1605.-REPORTING-OF-ABUSE,-ABANDONMENT-OR-NEGLECT.-(1)-Any-physi---5-cian,-resident-on-a-hospital-staff,-intern,-nurse,-coroner,-school-teacher,-6-day-care-personnel,-social-worker,-or-other-person-having-reason-to-believe-7-reliable-evidence-that-a-child-under-the-age-of-eighteen-(18)-years-has-been-8-abused,-abandoned-or-neglected-or-who-observes-the-child-being-subjected-to-9-conditions-or-circumstances-that-would-reasonably-result-in-abuse,-abandon---10-ment-or-neglect-shall-report-or-cause-to-be-reported-within-twenty---four-(24)-1-1-hours-such-conditions-or-circumstances-to-the-proper-law-enforcement-agency-12-or-the-department.-The-department-shall-be-informed-by-law-enforcement-of-13-any-report-made-directly-to-it.-If-the-department-knows-or-has-reason-to-know-14-that-an-adult-in-the-home-has-been-convicted-of-lewd-and-lascivious-conduct-or-15-felony-injury-to-a-child-in-the-past-or-that-the-child-has-been-removed-from-16-the-home-for-circumstances-that-resulted-in-a-conviction-for-lewd-and-lasciv---17-ious-conduct-or-felony-injury-to-a-child,-then-the-department-shall-investi---18-gate.-When-the-attendance-of-a-physician,-resident,-intern,-nurse,-day-care-19-worker,-or-social-worker-is-pursuant-to-the-performance-of-services-as-a-mem---20-ber-of-the-staff-of-a-hospital-or-similar-institution,-he-shall-notify-the-21-person-in-charge-of-the-institution-or-his-designated-delegate-who-shall-make-22-the-necessary-reports.-23-(2)-For-purposes-of-subsection-(3)-of-this-section,-the-term-"duly-24-ordained-minister-of-religion"-means-a-person-who-has-been-ordained-or-set-25-apart,-in-accordance-with-the-ceremonial,-ritual-or-discipline-of-a-church-26-or-religious-organization-which-has-been-established-on-the-basis-of-a-27-community-of-religious-faith,-belief,-doctrines-and-practices,-to-hear-con---28-fessions-and-confidential-communications-in-accordance-with-the-bona-fide-29-doctrines-or-discipline-of-that-church-or-religious-organization.-30-(3)-The-notification-requirements-of-subsection-(1)-of-this-section-do-31-not-apply-to-a-duly-ordained-minister-of-religion,-with-regard-to-any-confes---32-sion-or-confidential-communication-made-to-him-in-his-ecclesiastical-capac---33-ity-in-the-course-of-discipline-enjoined-by-the-church-to-which-he-belongs-if:-34-(a)-The-church-qualifies-as-tax---exempt-under-26-U.S.C.-501(c)(3);-35-(b)-The-confession-or-confidential-communication-was-made-directly-to-36-the-duly-ordained-minister-of-religion;-and-37-(c)-The-confession-or-confidential-communication-was-made-in-the-manner-38-and-context-that-places-the-duly-ordained-minister-of-religion-specif---39-ically-and-strictly-under-a-level-of-confidentiality-that-is-considered-40-inviolate-by-canon-law-or-church-doctrine.-A-confession-or-confiden---41-tial-communication-made-under-any-other-circumstances-does-not-fall-un---42-der-this-exemption.-43-(4)-Failure-to-report-as-required-in-this-section-shall-be-a-misde---44-meanor.-45-SECTION-3.-That-Section-16---1606,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-46-amended-to-read-as-follows:-47--7-16---1606.-IMMUNITY.-Any-person-who-has-reason-to-believe-reliable-evi---1-dence-that-a-child-has-been-abused,-abandoned-or-neglected-and,-acting-upon-2-that-belief,-makes-a-report-of-abuse,-abandonment-or-neglect-as-required-in-3-section-16---1605,-Idaho-Code,-shall-have-immunity-from-any-liability,-civil-4-or-criminal,-that-might-otherwise-be-incurred-or-imposed.-Any-such-partic---5-ipant-shall-have-the-same-immunity-with-respect-to-participation-in-any-such-6-judicial-proceeding-resulting-from-such-report.-Any-person-who-reports-in-7-bad-faith-or-with-malice-shall-not-be-protected-by-this-section.-Any-priv---8-ilege-between-husband-and-wife,-or-between-any-professional-person-except-9-the-lawyer---client-privilege,-including-but-not-limited-to-physicians,-coun---10-selors,-hospitals,-clinics,-day-care-centers-and-schools-and-their-clients-1-1-shall-not-be-grounds-for-excluding-evidence-at-any-proceeding-regarding-the-12-abuse,-abandonment-or-neglect-of-the-child-or-the-cause-thereof.-13-SECTION-4.-That-Section-16---1610,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-14-amended-to-read-as-follows:-15-16---1610.-PETITION.-(1)-A-petition-invoking-the-jurisdiction-of-the-16-court-under-this-chapter-shall-be-filed-in-the-manner-provided-in-this-sec---17-tion:-18-(a)-A-petition-must-be-signed-by-the-prosecutor-or-deputy-attorney-gen---19-eral-before-being-filed-with-the-court.-20-(b)-Any-person-or-governmental-body-of-this-state-having-reliable-evi---21-dence-of-abuse,-abandonment,-neglect-or-homelessness-of-a-child-may-re---22-quest-the-attorney-general-or-prosecuting-attorney-to-file-a-petition.-23-The-prosecuting-attorney-or-the-attorney-general-may-file-a-petition-on-24-behalf-of-any-child-whose-parent,-guardian,-or-custodian-has-been-ac---25-cused-in-a-criminal-complaint-of-the-crime-of-cruel-treatment-or-neglect-26-as-defined-in-section-18---1501,-Idaho-Code.-27-(2)-Petitions-shall-be-entitled-"In-the-Matter-of..............,-a-28-child-under-the-age-of-eighteen-(18)-years"-and-shall-be-verified-and-set-29-forth-with-specificity:-30-(a)-The-facts-which-bring-the-child-within-the-jurisdiction-of-the-court-31-upon-the-grounds-set-forth-in-section-16---1603,-Idaho-Code,-with-the-ac---32-tions-of-each-parent-described-therein;-33-(b)-The-name,-birth-date,-sex,-and-residence-address-of-the-child;-34-(c)-The-name,-birth-date,-sex,-and-residence-address-of-all-other-chil---35-dren-living-at-or-having-custodial-visitation-at-the-home-where-the-in---36-jury-to-the-subject-child-occurred;-37-(d)-The-names-and-residence-addresses-of-both-the-mother-and-father,-38-guardian-or-other-custodian.-If-neither-of-his-parents,-guardian-or-39-other-custodian-resides-or-can-be-found-within-the-state,-or-if-their-40-residence-addresses-are-unknown,-the-name-of-any-known-adult-relative-41-residing-within-the-state;-42-(e)-The-names-and-residence-addresses-of-each-person-having-sole-or-43-joint-legal-custody-of-the-children-described-in-this-section;-44-(f)-Whether-or-not-there-exists-a-legal-document-including,-but-not-lim---45-ited-to,-a-divorce-decree,-stipulation-or-parenting-agreement-control---46-ling-the-custodial-status-of-the-children-described-in-this-section;-47--8-(g)-Whether-the-child-is-in-shelter-care,-and,-if-so,-the-type-and-nature-1-of-the-shelter-care,-the-circumstances-necessitating-such-care-and-the-2-date-and-time-he-was-placed-in-such-care;-3-(h)-When-any-of-the-facts-required-by-this-section-cannot-be-determined,-4-the-petition-shall-so-state.-The-petition-may-be-based-on-information-5-and-belief-but-in-such-case-the-petition-shall-state-the-basis-of-such-6-information-and-belief;-7-(i)-If-the-child-has-been-or-will-be-removed-from-the-home,-the-petition-8-shall-state-that:-9-(i)-Remaining-in-the-home-was-contrary-to-the-welfare-of-the-10-child;-1-1-(ii)-Vesting-legal-custody-of-the-child-in-the-department-or-other-12-authorized-agency-is-in-the-best-interests-of-the-child;-and-13-(iii)-Reasonable-efforts-have-been-made-prior-to-the-placement-of-14-the-child-in-care-to-prevent-the-removal-of-the-child-from-his-home-15-or,-if-such-efforts-were-not-provided,-that-reasonable-efforts-to-16-prevent-placement-were-not-required-because-aggravated-circum---17-stances-were-found;-18-(j)-The-petition-shall-state-with-specificity-whether-a-parent-with-19-joint-legal-custody-or-a-noncustodial-parent-has-been-notified-of-place---20-ment;-21-(k)-The-petition-shall-state-whether-a-court-has-adjudicated-the-cus---22-todial-rights-of-the-parents-and-shall-set-forth-the-custodial-status-of-23-the-child;-24-(l)-The-court-may-combine-petitions-and-hearings-where-multiple-peti---25-tions-have-been-filed-involving-related-children,-parents-or-guardians.-26-SECTION-5.-That-Section-16---1611,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-27-amended-to-read-as-follows:-28-16---1611.-SUMMONS.-(1)-After-a-petition-has-been-filed,-the-clerk-of-the-29-court-may-issue-a-summons-requiring-the-person-or-persons-who-have-custody-30-of-the-child-to-bring-the-child-before-the-court-at-the-adjudicatory-hearing-31-held-in-accordance-with-section-16---1619,-Idaho-Code.-Each-parent-or-guardian-32-shall-also-be-notified-in-the-manner-hereinafter-provided-of-the-pendency-of-33-the-case-and-the-time-and-place-set-for-the-hearing.-A-summons-shall-be-is---34-sued-and-served-requiring-the-appearance-of-each-parent-and-legal-guardian,-35-and-a-summons-may-be-issued-and-served-for-any-other-person-whose-presence-is-36-required-by-the-child,-either-of-his-parents-or-guardian-or-any-other-person-37-whose-presence,-in-the-opinion-of-the-court,-is-necessary.-38-(2)-A-copy-of-the-petition-shall-be-attached-to-each-summons.-39-(3)-The-summons-shall-notify-each-of-the-parents,-guardian-or-legal-cus---40-todian-of-their-right-to-retain-and-be-represented-by-counsel.-Each-parent-41-or-legal-guardian-of-each-child-named-in-the-petition-shall-be-notified-by-the-42-court-of-the-case-and-of-the-time-and-place-set-for-the-hearing.-43-(4)-If-based-on-facts-presented-to-the-court,-it-appears-that-the-court-44-has-jurisdiction-upon-the-grounds-set-forth-in-section-16---1603,-Idaho-Code,-45-and-the-court-finds-that-the-child-should-be-removed-from-his-present-condi---46-tion-or-surroundings-because-continuation-in-such-condition-or-surroundings-47-would-be-contrary-to-the-welfare-of-the-child-and-vesting-legal-custody-with-48-the-department-or-other-authorized-agency-would-be-in-the-child's-best-in---49--9-terests,-the-court-shall-include-on-the-summons-an-order-to-remove-the-child.-1-The-order-to-remove-the-child-shall-specifically-state-that-continuation-in-2-the-present-condition-or-surroundings-is-contrary-to-the-welfare-of-the-child-3-and-shall-require-a-peace-officer-or-other-suitable-person-to-take-the-child-4-at-once-to-a-place-of-shelter-care-designated-by-the-authorized-agency-which-5-shall-provide-shelter-care-for-the-child.-6-(5)(a)-If-there-is-reasonable-cause-to-believe-reliable-evidence-that-7-a-child-would-be-safe-in-the-child's-present-surroundings-in-the-sole-8-care-of-one-(1)-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-legal-custodian-and-neglect-9-or-abuse-by-another-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-legal-custodian-is-al---10-leged,-then-a-prosecutor-or-the-attorney-general-may-file-a-motion-with-1-1-the-court-for-an-order-to-prevent-removal-of-the-child-that-excludes-the-12-alleged-offending-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-legal-custodian-from-the-13-residence-where-the-child-resides.-If-the-court-finds-reasonable-cause-14-to-believe-reliable-evidence-that-such-elements-have-been-demonstrated,-15-the-court-shall-issue-an-order-that-shall-exclude-the-alleged-offending-16-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-legal-custodian-from-the-dwelling-where-the-17-child-resides,-restrain-any-contact-or-communication-with-the-child,-18-and-restrain-the-alleged-offending-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-legal-19-custodian-from-coming-within-one-thousand-five-hundred-(1,500)-feet,-20-or-other-appropriate-distance,-of-the-child-until-further-order-of-the-21-court.-22-(b)-A-motion-filed-pursuant-to-paragraph-(a)-of-this-subsection-shall-be-23-accompanied-by-a-sworn-affidavit-from-a-law-enforcement-officer-or-the-24-department.-25-(c)-A-copy-of-an-order-to-prevent-removal-along-with-a-copy-of-the-peti---26-tion-and-summons-shall-be-served-on-the-alleged-offending-parent,-legal-27-guardian,-or-legal-custodian,-and-all-parents,-legal-guardians,-or-le---28-gal-custodians-shall-receive-notice-of-a-hearing-on-whether-to-continue-29-an-order-within-forty---eight-(48)-hours,-excluding-Saturdays,-Sundays,-30-and-holidays.-31-(d)-The-court-shall-continue-an-order-to-prevent-removal-until-further-32-order-of-the-court-if,-at-a-hearing-on-whether-to-continue-the-order,-the-33-prosecutor-or-attorney-general-shows:-34-(i)-A-petition-and-summons-have-been-issued-pursuant-to-subsec---35-tion-(1)-of-this-section;-36-(ii)-There-is-reasonable-cause-to-believe-reliable-evidence-the-37-child-is-safe-in-the-child's-current-surroundings-in-the-sole-care-38-of-one-(1)-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-legal-custodian-but-has-been-39-neglected-or-abused-by-the-other-parent,-legal-guardian,-or-legal-40-custodian;-and-41-(iii)-Continuation-of-the-order-is-in-the-child's-best-interest.-42-(e)-Any-person-who-fails-to-abide-by-an-order-to-prevent-removal-shall-43-be-guilty-of-misdemeanor-criminal-contempt,-as-described-in-section-44-18---1801,-Idaho-Code.-45-SECTION-6.-That-Section-16---1615,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-46-amended-to-read-as-follows:-47-16---1615.-SHELTER-CARE-HEARING.-(1)-Notwithstanding-any-other-provi---48-sion-of-this-chapter,-when-a-child-is-taken-into-shelter-care-pursuant-to-sec---49--10-tion-16---1608-or-16---1611,-Idaho-Code,-a-hearing-to-determine-whether-the-child-1-should-be-released-shall-be-held-according-to-the-provisions-of-this-section.-2-(2)-Each-of-the-parents-or-custodian-from-whom-the-child-was-removed-3-shall-be-given-notice-of-the-shelter-care-hearing.-Such-notice-shall-include-4-the-time,-place,-and-purpose-of-the-hearing;-and,-that-such-person-is-enti---5-tled-to-be-represented-by-legal-counsel.-Notice-as-required-by-this-subsec---6-tion-shall-be-given-at-least-twenty---four-(24)-hours-before-the-shelter-care-7-hearing.-8-(3)-Notice-of-the-shelter-care-hearing-shall-be-given-to-the-parents-or-9-custodian-from-whom-the-child-was-removed-by-personal-service-and-the-return-10-of-service-shall-be-filed-with-the-court-and-to-any-person-having-joint-legal-1-1-or-physical-custody-of-the-subject-child.-Provided,-however,-that-such-ser---12-vice-need-not-be-made-where-the-undelivered-notice-is-returned-to-the-court-13-along-with-an-affidavit-stating-that-such-parents-or-custodian-could-not-be-14-located-or-were-out-of-the-state.-15-(4)-The-shelter-care-hearing-may-be-continued-for-a-reasonable-time-upon-16-request-by-the-parent,-custodian-or-counsel-for-the-child.-17-(5)-If,-upon-the-completion-of-the-shelter-care-hearing,-it-is-shown-18-that:-19-(a)-A-petition-has-been-filed;-and-20-(b)-There-is-reasonable-cause-to-believe-reliable-evidence-the-child-21-comes-within-the-jurisdiction-of-the-court-under-this-chapter-and-ei---22-ther:-23-(i)-The-department-made-reasonable-efforts-to-eliminate-the-need-24-for-shelter-care-but-the-efforts-were-unsuccessful;-or-25-(ii)-The-department-made-reasonable-efforts-to-eliminate-the-need-26-for-shelter-care-but-was-not-able-to-safely-provide-preventive-ser---27-vices;-and-28-(c)-The-child-could-not-be-placed-in-the-temporary-sole-custody-of-a-par---29-ent-having-joint-legal-or-physical-custody;-and-30-(d)-It-is-contrary-to-the-welfare-of-the-child-to-remain-in-the-home;-and-31-(e)-It-is-in-the-best-interests-of-the-child-to-remain-in-temporary-shel---32-ter-care-pending-the-conclusion-of-the-adjudicatory-hearing.-33-The-court-shall-issue,-within-twenty---four-(24)-hours-of-such-hearing,-a-shel---34-ter-care-order-placing-the-child-in-the-temporary-legal-custody-of-the-de---35-partment-or-other-authorized-agency.-Any-reliable-evidence-may-be-consid---36-ered-by-the-court-which-is-of-the-type-which-reasonable-people-may-rely-upon.-37-(6)-Upon-finding-reasonable-cause-reliable-evidence-pursuant-to-sub---38-section-(5)(b)-of-this-section,-the-court-shall-order-an-adjudicatory-hear---39-ing-to-be-held-as-soon-as-possible,-but-in-no-event-later-than-thirty-(30)-days-40-from-the-date-the-petition-was-filed.-In-addition,-the-court-shall-inquire-41-whether-there-is-reason-to-believe-that-the-child-is-an-Indian-child.-42-(7)-Upon-entry-of-an-order-of-shelter-care,-the-court-shall-inquire:-43-(a)-If-the-child-is-of-school-age,-about-the-department's-efforts-to-44-keep-the-child-in-the-school-at-which-the-child-is-currently-enrolled;-45-and-46-(b)-If-a-sibling-group-was-removed-from-their-home,-about-the-depart---47-ment's-efforts-to-place-the-siblings-together,-or-if-the-department-has-48-not-placed-or-will-not-be-placing-the-siblings-together,-about-a-plan-49-to-ensure-frequent-visitation-or-ongoing-interaction-among-the-sib---50--11-lings,-unless-visitation-or-ongoing-interaction-would-be-contrary-to-1-the-safety-or-well---being-of-one-(1)-or-more-of-the-siblings.-2-(8)-If-the-court-does-not-find-that-the-child-should-be-placed-in-or-re---3-main-in-shelter-care-under-subsection-(5)-of-this-section,-the-child-shall-be-4-released.-5-(9)-If-the-court-does-not-find-reasonable-cause-reliable-evidence-pur---6-suant-to-subsection-(5)(b)-of-this-section,-the-court-shall-dismiss-the-peti---7-tion.-8-SECTION-7.-That-Section-16---1619,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-9-amended-to-read-as-follows:-10-16---1619.-ADJUDICATORY-HEARING-----CONDUCT-OF-HEARING-----CONSOLIDA---1-1-TION.-(1)-When-a-petition-has-been-filed,-the-court-shall-set-an-adjudicatory-12-hearing-to-be-held-no-later-than-thirty-(30)-days-after-the-filing-of-the-13-petition.-14-(2)-A-pretrial-conference-shall-be-held-outside-the-presence-of-the-15-court-within-three-(3)-to-five-(5)-days-before-the-adjudicatory-hearing.-16-Investigative-reports-required-under-section-16---1616,-Idaho-Code,-shall-be-17-delivered-to-the-court-with-copies-to-each-of-the-parents-and-other-legal-cus---18-todians,-guardian-ad-litem-and-attorney-for-the-child-prior-to-the-pretrial-19-conference.-20-(3)-At-the-adjudicatory-hearing,-parents-or-guardians-with-disabil---21-ities-shall-have-the-right-to-introduce-admissible-evidence-regarding-how-22-use-of-adaptive-equipment-or-supportive-services-may-enable-the-parent-or-23-guardian-to-carry-out-the-responsibilities-of-parenting-the-child-by-ad---24-dressing-the-reason-for-the-removal-of-the-child.-25-(4)-If-a-preponderance-of-the-clear-and-convincing-evidence-at-the-adju---26-dicatory-hearing-shows-that-the-child-comes-within-the-court's-jurisdiction-27-under-this-chapter-upon-the-grounds-set-forth-in-section-16---1603,-Idaho-Code,-28-the-court-shall-so-decree-and-in-its-decree-shall-make-a-finding-on-the-record-29-of-the-facts-and-conclusions-of-law-upon-which-it-exercises-jurisdiction-over-30-the-child.-A-child-shall-not-come-within-the-court's-jurisdiction-under-this-31-chapter-on-the-basis-of-hearsay-alone,-but-shall-be-supported-by-relevant-and-32-probative-evidence-on-the-record.-33-(5)-Upon-entering-its-decree,-the-court-shall-consider-any-information-34-relevant-to-the-disposition-of-the-child-but-in-any-event-shall:-35-(a)-Place-the-child-under-the-protective-supervision-of-the-department-36-for-an-indeterminate-period-not-to-exceed-the-child's-eighteenth-birth---37-day;-or-38-(b)-Vest-legal-custody-in-the-department-or-other-authorized-agency-39-subject-to-residual-parental-rights-and-subject-to-full-judicial-re---40-view-by-the-court-and,-when-contested-by-any-party,-judicial-approval-41-of-all-matters-relating-to-the-custody-of-the-child-by-the-department-42-or-other-authorized-agency.-If-the-department-has-placed-the-child-in-43-a-qualified-residential-treatment-program,-the-court-shall-approve-or-44-disapprove-the-placement-within-sixty-(60)-days-of-placement-in-accor---45-dance-with-section-16---1619A,-Idaho-Code.-46-(6)-If-the-court-vests-legal-custody-in-the-department-or-other-autho---47-rized-agency,-the-court-shall-make-detailed-written-findings-based-on-facts-48-in-the-record-that,-in-addition-to-the-findings-required-in-subsection-(4)-of-49--12-this-section,-continuation-of-residence-in-the-home-would-be-contrary-to-the-1-welfare-of-the-child-and-that-vesting-legal-custody-with-the-department-or-2-other-authorized-agency-would-be-in-the-best-interests-of-the-child.-In-ad---3-dition,-the-court-shall-make-detailed-written-findings-based-on-facts-in-the-4-record-as-to-whether-the-department-made-reasonable-efforts-to-prevent-the-5-placement-of-the-child-in-foster-care,-including-findings,-when-appropriate,-6-that:-7-(a)-Reasonable-efforts-were-made-but-were-not-successful-in-eliminating-8-the-need-for-foster-care-placement-of-the-child;-9-(b)-The-department-made-reasonable-efforts-to-prevent-removal-but-was-10-not-able-to-safely-provide-preventive-services;-1-1-(c)-Reasonable-efforts-to-temporarily-place-the-child-with-related-per---12-sons-were-made-but-were-not-successful;-or-13-(d)-Reasonable-efforts-to-reunify-the-child-with-one-(1)-or-both-parents-14-were-not-required-because-aggravated-circumstances-were-present.-If-15-aggravated-circumstances-are-found,-a-permanency-hearing-for-the-child-16-shall-be-held-within-thirty-(30)-days-of-the-determination-of-aggravated-17-circumstances.-18-(7)(a)-The-court-shall-also-inquire-regarding:-19-(i)-Whether-there-is-reason-to-believe-that-the-child-is-an-Indian-20-child;-21-(ii)-The-efforts-that-have-been-made-since-the-last-hearing-to-de---22-termine-whether-the-child-is-an-Indian-child;-and-23-(iii)-The-department's-efforts-to-work-with-all-tribes-of-which-the-24-child-may-be-a-member-to-verify-whether-the-child-is-a-member-or-el---25-igible-for-membership.-26-(b)-In-addition,-if-the-court-vests-legal-custody-of-the-child-in-the-27-department-or-other-authorized-agency,-the-court-shall-inquire-as-to:-28-(i)-If-the-child-is-of-school-age,-the-department's-efforts-to-29-keep-the-child-in-the-school-at-which-the-child-is-currently-en---30-rolled;-and-31-(ii)-If-a-sibling-group-was-removed-from-the-home,-the-depart---32-ment's-efforts-to-place-the-siblings-together,-or-if-the-depart---33-ment-has-not-placed-or-will-not-be-placing-the-siblings-together,-34-about-a-plan-to-ensure-frequent-visitation-or-ongoing-interac---35-tion-among-the-siblings,-unless-visitation-or-ongoing-interaction-36-would-be-contrary-to-the-safety-or-well---being-of-one-(1)-or-more-of-37-the-siblings.-38-(c)-If-the-court-vests-legal-custody-of-the-child-in-the-department-39-or-other-authorized-agency-and-the-child-is-being-treated-with-psy---40-chotropic-medication,-these-additional-requirements-shall-apply:-41-(i)-The-department-shall-report-to-the-court-the-medications-and-42-dosages-prescribed-for-the-child-and-the-medical-professional-who-43-prescribed-the-medication;-and-44-(ii)-The-court-shall-inquire-about-and-may-make-any-additional-in---45-quiry-relevant-to-the-use-of-psychotropic-medications.-46-(8)-A-decree-vesting-legal-custody-in-the-department-shall-be-binding-47-upon-the-department-and-may-continue-until-the-child's-eighteenth-birthday.-48-(9)-A-decree-vesting-legal-custody-in-an-authorized-agency-other-than-49-the-department-shall-be-for-a-period-of-time-not-to-exceed-the-child's-eigh---50--13-teenth-birthday-and-on-such-other-terms-as-the-court-shall-state-in-its-decree-1-to-be-in-the-best-interests-of-the-child-and-which-the-court-finds-to-be-ac---2-ceptable-to-such-authorized-agency.-3-(10)-If-the-court-does-not-find-that-the-child-comes-within-the-juris---4-diction-of-this-chapter-pursuant-to-subsection-(4)-of-this-section,-it-shall-5-dismiss-the-petition.-6-(11)-Where-legal-custody-of-a-child-is-vested-in-the-department,-any-7-party-or-counsel-for-a-child-may,-at-or-after-the-disposition-phase-of-an-8-adjudicatory-hearing,-file-and-serve-a-written-motion-to-contest-matters-9-relating-to-the-placement-of-the-child-by-the-department.-The-hearing-must-10-be-held-no-later-than-thirty-(30)-days-from-the-date-the-motion-was-filed.-If-1-1-the-court-approves-the-placement,-the-court-shall-enter-an-order-denying-the-12-motion.-If-the-court-does-not-approve-the-placement,-the-court-shall-enter-13-an-order-directing-the-department-to-identify-and-implement-an-alternative-14-placement-in-accordance-with-applicable-law.-The-court-shall-consider-ev---15-erything-necessary-or-proper-in-the-best-interests-of-the-children.-The-16-court-shall-consider-all-relevant-factors,-which-may-include:-17-(a)-The-wishes-of-the-child-regarding-the-child's-custodian;-18-(b)-The-wishes-of-the-child's-parent-or-parents-regarding-the-child's-19-custody,-if-appropriate;-20-(c)-The-interaction-and-interrelationship-of-the-child-with-his-parent-21-or-parents-or-foster-parent-or-foster-parents,-and-the-child's-siblings;-22-(d)-The-child's-adjustment-to-his-home,-school-and-community;-23-(e)-The-character-and-circumstances-of-all-individuals-involved;-24-(f)-The-need-to-promote-continuity-and-stability-in-the-life-of-the-25-child;-and-26-(g)-A-history-of-domestic-violence-as-defined-in-section-39---6303,-Idaho-27-Code,-whether-or-not-in-the-presence-of-the-child,-or-a-conviction-for-28-lewd-and-lascivious-conduct-or-felony-injury-to-a-child.-29-SECTION-8.-An-emergency-existing-therefor,-which-emergency-is-hereby-30-declared-to-exist,-this-act-shall-be-in-full-force-and-effect-on-and-after-31-July-1,-2026.-32+Purpose+/+Fiscal+Note+Bill+SOP/FN+INTRODUCED:+03/26/2026,+2:14+PM
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